FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about TECTUS® hinges, including installation, adjustments, maintenance, and compatibility.

What happened to the old models?

Simonswerk has re-engineered the entire line to provide better adjustability, easier milling, and higher capacities. Models that have been replaced are the TE 210, TE 310, TE 510, TE 630, TE520.

If you have installed these hinges in the past and need assistance, please contact your dealer.

How do you calculate the hinge de-rating for doors over the standard 1-meter width?

As a rule of thumb, decrease the listed capacity by 1% per centimeter of width beyond 1 meter.

Note, however, that this applies to doors of the standard test height of 2 meters.

For taller doors, a calculation based on the ratio of width to height is needed.

Contact your dealer regarding specific applications.

What's the minimum door thickness for these hinges?
TECTUS Model Thickness
TE 240 3D 1.024" [26mm]
TE 340 3D 1-1/2" [38mm]
TE 526/527 3D 1-3/8" [34mm]
TE 540 3D 1-5/8" [40mm]
TE 540 3D A8 1-5/8" + Cladding [40mm]
TE 541 3D 1-3/4" [44mm]
TE 626 3D A8 1-5/8" [40mm]
TE 640 3D 1-5/8" [40mm]
TE 640 3D A8 1-5/8" [40mm]
TE 645 3D 1-3/4" [44mm]
Does the leading edge of the door need to be beveled?

This table shows the width, at given thicknesses, below which the latch side of a door fitted with Tectus® hinges requires an edge bevel. Please call us for further guidance.

Download Door Width Reference Document.

TECTUS Model Thickness Width
TE 240 3D 1" 8"
1-3/8" 16"
TE 340 3D 1-3/8" 16"
1-3/4" 28"
2-1/4" 43"
TE 525 3D 1-3/8" 16"
1-3/4" 28"
2-1/4" 43"
TE 540 3D 1-3/4" 28"
2" 32"
2-1/4" 43"
TE 640 3D 1-3/4" 28"
2" 32"
2-1/4" 43"
TE 540 3D A8 (includes up to 5/16" cladding) 2" 32"
2-1/4" 43"
TE 640 3D A8 (includes up to 5/16" cladding) 2" 32"
2-1/4" 43"
Do I need to use the TECTUS® jigs and templates?

No. Some shops use the milling documentsto make up their own templates, or to prepare the doors using CNC technology. By the time you make up your templates, the costs might come out even compare to purchasing the tools Simonswerk offers. In the end it can make for a faster, more accurate installation.

Your dealer can provide the components needed to make it easy to utilize the Templates and Jigs from Simonswerk with American plunge routers –specifically, Porter Cable, Bosch and Festool.

You can now choose which ever method is best for your project. CNC, homemade templates or Simonswerk's TECTUS® Installation Aids.

If you would like a quotation on an installation kit for your brand and model of plunge router, contact your dealer.

What are TECTUS® hinges made of?

Other than the TE 525 3D model, which is solid stainless steel, the main body of the other TECTUS® hinges is cast in an aluminum alloy. The black plate that wraps around the hinge body is powder-coated steel. The cover plates are steel and are finished to match the 'knuckle' of the hinge.

All visible surfaces of the hinge match the specified finish.

What is the fire rating on these hinges?

TECTUS® hinges are UL Tested. All the ratings below are for fire-rated doors up to 4'x8'.

TE 240 3D - No rating at this time

TE 340 3D - 20 minutes

TE 526/527 3D - 180 minutes

TE 540 3D - 20 minutes

TE 540 3D A8 - 20 minutes

TE 541 3D - No rating at this time

TE 626 3D A8 - 180 minutes

TE 640 3D - 20 minutes

TE 640 3D A8 - 20 minutes

TE 645 3D - No rating at this time

How do these hinges compare to Soss in cost?

The easy answer is, they shouldn't be compared. There are too many differences.

As a line item cost the Soss can be cheaper per hinge. However, TECTUS® often ends up being the more economical solution at the end of the building process.

  1. Because they are NOT adjustable, the Soss cost much more to install and maintain. The current thought is there is about a 70% savings on labor with the TECTUS®.
  2. Because TECTUS® provide higher load capacities, you need to use fewer of them for the same door. In the case of heavier doors, there is no way to carry the load except with TECTUS®.
  3. If the door 'moves' after installation, due to settling or abuse, it is a far more involved and costly procedure to bring the door back in line with Soss, often requiring some remilling. In several cases we have supplied TECTUS® to contractors who have had to remake a door where the Soss failed to hold.

At the moment, the TECTUS® system does not provide a hinge for very thin doors, so Soss may be an economical option for these situations.

Where do I place the hinges on the door?

Top and bottom hinges should be located 10" (on center) from the top and bottom edge of the door, respectively.

If a third hinge is used, it may be placed in the middle of the door, if the primary function of the third hinge is to help keep the door from bowing.

If the third hinge is needed for increased bearing capacity, it should be placed 14" (on center) below the top hinge.

Download Hinge Location Guidelines

Can I get a greater load capacity by adding hinges?

TECTUS® Hinges are engineered for their load capacity with two hinges installed.

Officially, adding a third (or fourth hinge) does not increase the rated hinge capacity.

Simonswerk recommends a third hinge for doors taller than 96" in order to check any warping of the door, as long as the door is under 39" wide.

For doors wider than 39 inches, Simonswerk recommends a third hinge installed at 14" below the centerline of the upper hinge.

The centerline of the upper hinge, itself, should be located 10" from the top edge of the door.

Note also that the rated capacity must be reduced for doors over 39 inches in width. See the following document for further information...

Load Specification Guides for All Capacities

Still have questions?

Contact us for more information or assistance.